All About Gymkhana
Gymkhana is the action packed, precision sport of the equestrian world. A good
Gymkhana horse must have the speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and
agility of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of the stock horse.
The word `Gymkhana' is thought to have originated in India, probably meaning
'games on horseback'. The English military, during the Colonial period, used
horses for both transportation and military maneuvers. On Sunday afternoons,
the calvary would compete in horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship for
war. Thus, Gymkhana had it's beginning. Through the years different events have
been added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were developed
in this country. A short history
of the
sport.Ring Spearing, an event that is still part of Gymkhana in some
areas, resembles the knight in medieval days riding full charge with his lance
aimed at his enemy. The British Bengal Lancer engaged in Tent-Pegging, using
his lance to unearth the tent pegs of the enemy, bringing down the tent on his
adversaries. Pole Bending can easily be seen as good training for a Calvary
charge through dense forest. The Rescue Race and Cowhide Race were originated
by the Native American Indians as a way to rescue their comrades in battle.
Similarly, the Speedball Race may have derived from the Native American Indians
counting "coup" in which they would touch their enemies without harming
them. The Pony Express Race, of course, simulates the old time Pony Express
rider who delivered the mail between St. Louis and Sacramento in the Old West.
In recent years Gymkhana has been steadily gaining in popularity. New events
have been designed for competition between riders which bring into play the
abilities of the rider and the speed and handiness of the horse. A number of
events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and the Keyhole Race, can be found
at gymkhanas throughout the United States.
The California Gymkhana Association was formed in 1972 by a group of Gymkhana
enthusiasts for the sole purpose of promoting the sport of Gymkhana and the
welfare of Gymkhana riders. It was felt that an association was needed that
would be responsive to the needs of Gymkhana riders. Gymkhana wasn't considered
to be a full fledged sport but was seen as fun events or play-days as relief
from serious classes in English and Western Shows. A place
for everyone It was time for the sport of Gymkhana to come into it's
own and that this could best be accomplished by concentrating time, energy and
money on only Gymkhana.
Today, the California Gymkhana Association has grown into the biggest and finest
Gymkhana organization in the State of California. Gymkhana has come a long way
since it started in 1972. CGA has brought fairness and dignity to Gymkhana with
the standardization of Gymkhana rules and the "Earn As You Learn"
awards programs. Riders now have the opportunity to win awards in Gymkhana as
they develop their riding skills. CGA is very proud that all riders, from 3
to 90, can compete and earn awards.
CGA is comprised of districts throughout the State of California. The districts
choose their own representative to the CGA Board of Directors to ensure that
their district members' needs and desires are heard and acted on.
CGA does not interfere with local club business as long as there is no conflict
with CGA rules. CGA's statewide programs are designed to complement and support
the needs of riders at both the state and local levels.
CGA supports member clubs by providing a generous year end awards program for
the riders, insurance, rule books, rider information manuals, statewide newspaper,
State Championship Finals, Southern & Northern Spring Classics, and the
Annual State Convention and Awards Banquet.
CGA developed a Gymkhana Rule Book in 1973 that has become the standard over
the years for Gymkhana throughout California.
CGA has over 3,000 rider/horse or pony combinations that are eligible to sign
up in various programs and over 800 of these riders earn one or more Year End
Awards and are honored at the CGA State Convention each year.
If you are interested in starting your own CGA District, click here
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